New York Knicks: Four Options For No. 4 Pick In 2015 NBA Draft

First Option: Select Ohio State Guard D’Angelo Russell

Feb 22, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell (0) dribbles down the court in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Anyone who has watched the NBA in recent seasons can see that the game is becoming more and more geared towards perimeter play. The 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors proved that you do not need a low-post option to win a title, as they took control of the series with deadly three-point shooting and a starting center in Draymond Green that stood at only 6-feet-9 inches tall. No matter how much Phil Jackson insists on social media that three-point shooting is overrated, it is a deadly weapon to be used in today’s game. That will make the selection of Russell an easy one if he is on the board when the Knicks get on the clock.

The Knicks seem to be overmatched at the point guard spot nightly. Russell would quickly change that, as his size would give them an advantage that other team’s have trouble matching up with. He is also a great fit for the triangle offense the Knicks are hellbent on running, as he can stroke it from deep and is deadly in the mid range. He knocked down three-pointers at a 41.1 percent clip at Ohio State, and 44.9 percent overall to go with 75.6 from the charity stripe.

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He can also help the Knicks in the rebounding department, something they struggle with almost every season. Last season Russell pulled down 5.7 rebounds a game to lead the Buckeyes. Not often do you see a team’s 6-feet-5 inch point guard lead them in rebounding, but that is exactly what Russell did as the focal point of the Ohio State attack. He also led the team in scoring with 19.3 points per game, to go with 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals. He was dominant at times while on the court, and looks like he could be the best player in this draft.

The Knicks can use all the help they can get, so it is hard to say that any prospect would be a poor addition with the fourth pick. But, if Russell slips and is available, Jackson and the Knicks should stop feilding trade calls and rush their envelope up to the stage with Russell’s name on the card. He would step right into a prominent role with the team, and looks read to contribute right away as any prospect in this class.

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